Data Quality87%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the light machine guns (lmg/saw) category.
01 / Overview
Type 73 light machine gun
Category
Country
Production
1973–
Operators
Conflicts
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
LIGHT MACHINE GUNS (LMG/SAW)
—
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
75
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the light machine guns (lmg/saw) category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General4MOD.4
- DesignerFirst Machine Industry Bureau
- Weight (Empty)10.6 kg
- Currently In ServiceYes
- Notable UsersNorth Korea, Iran, Iraq (PMF), Syria, Russia, Houthis, Hezbollah
◈Cartridge & Calibre5MOD.5
- Cartridge7.62×54mmR
- Calibre7.62 mm
- Calibre Class7.62 mm
- RimfireNo
- Caseless AmmunitionNo
▣Operation6MOD.6
- Action TypeGas-Operated
- Fire Modesfully automatic
- Select FireNo
- Feed SystemDetachable Magazine
- Magazine Capacity30
- Cyclic Rate of Fire600
◇Ballistics1MOD.1
- Muzzle Velocity800 m/s
◆Barrel & Sights5MOD.5
- Barrel Length608 mm
- Sight Typeiron sights
- Optic RailNo
- Iron SightsYes
- Threaded BarrelNo
▤Construction3MOD.3
⬢Features5MOD.5
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 1945First deployment: Cold War
- 1973Production started
53
years in service
5
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
04 / Conflicts
TYPE 73 LIGHT MACHINE GUN · CONFLICTS SERVED IN0% win·33% loss
Total Conflicts
3
Victories
0
Ongoing
0
Losses
1
2014–2017Iraqi Civil War of 2014–2017—→2011–2024Syrian Civil WarDecisive victory→1975–1990Lebanese Civil War—→
ⓘ Shown only from conflicts recorded in our database.
05 / Operators
Operator Countries5country
06 / MASS Score
LIGHT MACHINE GUNS (LMG/SAW) RANKING Light Machine Guns (LMG/SAW)
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
56LIGHT MACHINE GUNS (LMG/SAW)16NORTH KOREA · ALL WEAPONS45PERFORMANCE/PRICE · LIGHT MACHINE GUNS (LMG/SAW)
ⓘ Rankings are within theLight Machine Guns (LMG/SAW)category.
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE5terms
A firearm feed system where ammunition is stored in a separate container (magazine) that can be removed and replaced, enabling rapid reloading.
Firearm action type where expanding gas from a fired cartridge cycles the mechanism, typically via a piston or direct impingement.
Uses high-pressure gas to cycle the action, rather than recoil energy.
Integral bipod: a permanently attached, built‑in bipod that provides a two‑point support for a firearm, allowing it to be rested on a surface without separate accessories.
Adjustable metal aiming devices on firearms, consisting of a front post and rear notch, used without magnification.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources